Pages

FOLLOW

Musically Montessori: Learning to Use Scissors by Playing the Castanets!

Carolyn
1:26 PM

UNTIL JUST A FEW DAYS AGO, I DIDN'T REALIZE THE MAGICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN LEARNING HOW TO PLAY CASTANETS AND LEARNING HOW TO USE SCISSORS! Looking for a fun Montessori-style musical cutting activity for your group? See my Freebie link at the end of this article!

This week we have been playing castanets in our Montessori Music classes as we continue with our "Echo Singing"and "Echo Rhythms" exploration. With a castanet in each hand the children were able to make the castanets look like they were "talking to each other" and answering like an echo. As we were practicing the movement of manipulating the castanets, a four year old looked up at me and said, "It's like scissors!"Okay, do you still think you might need a rationale for playing rhythm instruments with your little kids? Playing castanets is a bit of a challenge for young children, and the motion they are mastering uses the same muscles that are needed to cut with scissors, which is also a bit of a challenge for young children. I have discovered over the years that children need lots of practice manipulating child-size scissors and lots of practice exercising those muscles of the hand. Violá! I discovered a fun magic ingredient in the process of learning how to use scissors!

Just like using scissors, playing castanets has a step-by-step progression that I have observed in music class with young children aged 2 1/2- 6 yrs. It's a magical connection!

WHOLE HAND GRASP

The easiest for the youngest is placing the castanets on the floor and pressing down with the full opened hand. (whole hand grasp) This brings the sound out without having to use the smaller muscles of the fingers.

I have observed that children generally go through a similar process of steps in developing their skills using scissors. The first time a young child picks up scissors they often hold the scissors with more of a full hand hold using both hands, rather than using the fingers of one hand.

Now, we can observe that the child has mastered the art of using scissors when s/he has not only developed the skill of grasping the scissors but also of moving the paper rather than moving the scissors!

Just in case you are looking for more musical activities that increase the cognitive development in the child, specifically to learn how scissors work, you will enjoy this video with a song about cutting with scissors!

How to do this dance: For Part A:A1. Step right foot to right, close left foot to right foot. (like scissors)A2. RepeatA3. Clap 3 times (with the clapping in the music)A4. Step left foot to left, close right foot to left foot. (like scissors)A5 Repeat Repeat all of part A For the Part B: B1. Take 2 slow steps forwardB2. Make 3 quick jumps backwardsRepeat all of part B 3 times more.

I learned this simple dance in my Orff-Schulwerk training many years ago and I have done this dance with many Preschool groups over the years. Very fun!I invite you to visit my Magical Movement Company Facebook Page, "Montessori Magic Friday" to check out my FREE DOWNLOAD to go along with your activities for scissor work with your group!

You can also access my new Freebie Collection at my website by subscribing to my Newsletter, where you can download this activity and many others! Here is that link: Free Resources for Educators

You can subscribe to my newsletter email list on the sidebar of this Blog.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY MAILING LIST

Thanks for visiting my blog today and I hope you have gotten some ideas for activities with your group!

Advertising Disclosure: Magical Movement Company may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website. Thanks for your support!

NEW! "Let's All Sing" Musically Montessori eCourses

My eBook is FREE to MY SUBSCRIBERS

Subscribe and Get Your Free eBook, Musically Montessori: The First Lessons!

Subscribe to our mailing list

Email Address *

First Name *

Last Name *

Montessori Baby-Ed eCourse: Musically Montessori "Month by Month"

ENROLLMENT IS OPEN. Try a Sample Free Lesson Now

Welcome! I'm Carolyn, a grandmother, long-time Montessori Teacher, and Orff-Schulwerk Music Specialist. I hope you enjoy these activities that I have curated over my many years of teaching in many different settings! You can check out my website by clicking on my picture.